Activity Introduction
Quick summary: During this lesson students investigate how biodiversity in their school yard will be affected by climate change. They begin by identifying aspects of biodiversity in their school yard, and then undertake research to identify the causes and impacts of climate change, particularly in regards to biodiversity. Finally, students create an interactive walk through their school yard that describes how various aspects of biodiversity in their school yard might be affected by climate change.
This lesson is designed to be taught outside. It contains all the tools required for students to reap the benefits of being outdoors while learning the outcomes of the Australian Curriculum. By spending time outdoors and connecting to nature, students are more likely to care for and conserve nature as adults.
Learning goals:
- Students recognise some of the causes and impacts of climate change, particularly the impacts on biodiversity in Australia.
- Students understand how to communicate messages about the impacts of climate change in different ways.
- Students recognise the mental, physical and academic benefits of completing classroom activities outside.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 10 Science
- Global systems, including the carbon cycle, rely on interactions involving the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere (ACSSU189)
Syllabus outcomes: SC5-12ES.
General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.1., OI.2., OI.7.
Relevant parts of Year 10 Science achievement standards: Students describe and analyse interactions and cycles within and between Earth’s spheres.
Topic: Outdoor Learning, Climate Change, Biodiversity.
Unit of work: Outdoor Learning Unit.
Time required: 120-180 mins
Level of teacher scaffolding: Low – oversee activity and lead discussions.
Resources required: Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet. Device capable of presenting a website to the class. Computers/tablets for pairs of students to share.
Each student will also need:
- A map of the school grounds that they can write on (photocopies or maps printed from Google Maps are fine)
- Pens for writing on maps
- Device for taking photos (phone, tablet, camera, etc)
- Workbook to record notes
Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.
Keywords: Climate change, biodiversity, school yard, interactive walk, outdoor learning.
Cool Australia would like to thank The Albert George & Nancy Caroline Youngman Trust – managed by Equity Trustees.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher preparation
